DKA stands for diabetic ketoacidosis.
What? OK…
So when there isn’t enough insulin in the bloodstream to unlock the cells for that glucose that’s supposed to be available for energy a few things start to happen:
Along with higher blood sugar levels (from uncontrolled or poorly controlled diabetes), your body is still looking for a source of energy so it can carry on with it’s regular functions. The body starts to breakdown fat (and eventually muscle tissue in extreme cases) in order to create the energy it needs. Now, breaking down fat is fine in certain circumstances but too much of this process leads to a waste product called ketones to start building up in the bloodstream, making it more acidic: diabetic-ketone-acidosis.
DKA is a result of elevated BG over a long period of time, and is slow to start so isn’t always noticeable until things get bad. As it progresses, the body becomes more and more dehydrated and exhausted. This is also why it can turn into an emergency all of a sudden, as it can progress into a coma in it’s severity.
Here is the list of symptoms I had
- extreme fatigue
- blurred vision
- increased thirst
- increased hunger
- increased urination
- decreased wound healing/increased infection
You can also pick up ketone test strips that can be used with most glucometers, to test ketone levels at home. However, it is very important to see your healthcare provider or seek emergency care if you are seeing or suspect regular high blood glucose readings for yourself or a loved one.